pulled feather

[willowbirdy218]

Yesterday, i had willow (cag) out on his perch and he was preening. Then i heard a strange noise, turned around and he had a red feather in his beak! What could have caused this other than boredom? Could it have been irritating him? Also, what should i do if it ever happens again? Do i take it away and put him in his cage for a few minutes? I want to do everything i can to prevent this from happening again and know that the knowledgeable members on this board can help answer my questions. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[peeker]

Maybe it was a feather he was due to molt out? When they are ready to molt a feather it becomes loose and it would be possible for her to preen it out naturally.

[The Outlaw]

It was very likely a molted feather. My birds are all starting to regrow wings and tails now. However, you shouldn't see a bunch of tail feathers all at once. Birds tend to molt wing and tail feathers one at a time.

THE OUTLAW

[willowbirdy218]

Thanks for the replies, i feel better now knowing that he didn't pull it out due to boredom.

[willowbirdy218]

ok...its been about a month since this happened but about 2 days ago he had another feather (a grey wing feather i think) and now tonight he had another one. His feathers are in excellent condition and doesnt seem to be any thing wrong with them. Can these have been just more loose feathers? If this happens again (i hope not) should i let him play with the feather or take it away? I don't want him to pull out his own feathers because he thinks they are toys but i don't want him to think that if he pulls one out he will get more attention. Dont kno what to do...so confused!!

[The Outlaw]

If anyone actually knew the answer to that question, you'd see no plucked birds. I have a macaw that started last summer and it makes me nuts. The other 3 are always in perfect feather, they share the same diet, space and toys. Who knows?

THE OUTLAW

[Skyebirdsmom]

Originally Posted by willowbirdy218

Thanks for the replies, i feel better now knowing that he didn't pull it out due to boredom.

Just a hint here, it's always best to remove a fallen feather from the bird. You don't want them getting the idea it's ok to chew on their own feathers. Hope this helps some.
Linda & HRC~

[Franciscus]

Your bird is probably just molting. From what you describe there are too few feathers to worry about plucking. Just make sure you provide a healthy diet, enough sleep as well as exercise and attention, as well as showers. Don't give the bird peanuts, I know a few greys that are allergic to them, causing them to pluck, and they're not that good for them anyway. Don't be too anxious about it, IF the bird plucks, don't react at all, ignore any unwanted behavior and praise good behavior, such as playing with toys, talking, wing flapping.

[Majj]

I too have read not to let your birds chew or play with fallen feathers as it may encourage them to start chewing or plucking..???

[smallonion]

When Humphrey is molting, occasionally he will do this. What it seems happens is that a feather is loose and due to fall out, and the act of preening gives it the final push to come out. Since they preen with their beak, during preening, if a feather comes out, the beak is where it ends up. When this happens with Humphrey (who does not pluck), he tends to play with the feather for a few minutes, then gets bored and drops it. It sounds like your bird is molting (Humph is starting a molt right now) and feathers are coming out during the act of preening. I'd keep an eye on him though, to make sure he's not plucking, too.

Michele and Humph